The Actors Project, a new and independent theatrical organization, will host a youth Shakespeare Workshop starting Tuesday, June 17, at the Edward-Dean Museum and Gardens in Cherry Valley.

“As an actor, there’s a certain irresistible attraction to the stories and characters by the Bard,” said Donald Stuart, who founded The Actors Project with the husband-and-wife team of John and Rosalyn Leon, all of Hemet.

Stuart said Shakespeare is a large part of the actors’ past experiences, as well as future projects. But the group also plans to present other classics along with some original works and adaptations.

“We met through our work with local theatrical projects,” Stuart said. “We initially formed to bring more projects into the San Jacinto Valley but jumped at the chance to work with the Edward-Dean Museum.”

The group was invited to perform a Readers Theater production of “Oliver Twist” at the museum’s Dickens’ festival in December.

The idea to do a youth workshop came about as a result of that collaboration. The group hopes to help campers obtain a greater understanding and appreciation of classics in a fun and instructive way.

“Shakespeare is truly the core of modern theater,” Stuart said. “However, because of the evolution of the English language, there’s a lot of fear and misunderstanding about reading or performing his works.”

The camp is designed to be accessible to students at every level of familiarity with Shakespeare and theater. While the focus will be on the Bard, whether by acting various scenes or exploring a specific play on a more academic basis, students will be taught other aspects of the theatrical process as well.

There will be multiple sessions on set design and painting and one devoted to the need for and application of stage makeup. Students also will be taught about stage management, costuming, lighting and sound.

Stuart said an understanding of Shakespeare’s works opens the door to understanding the evolution of theater as a whole. He notes that Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen of “X-Men” fame, David Tennant from “Dr. Who” and Kenneth Branagh from the Harry Potter films are just a few examples of major film and television stars who were Shakespearean actors first.

“If you can play Hamlet or Lady Macbeth, you can play anyone,” Stuart said.

The camp runs for two weeks: Tuesday through June 21 and June 24 through 27, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Students can choose to attend one or both weeks at a cost of $125 per week. A final performance is scheduled for 4 p.m. June 27. Open to family, friends and the public, it will give students the opportunity to show what they have learned.

The museum is at 9401 Oak Glen Road in Cherry Valley. Information, 951-845-2626, edward-deanmuseum.org or info.theactorsproject@gmail.com.

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